This week, Nader tackles the issue of sin in a Christian’s life. Without a doubt, we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. But how do we respond when we sin? And, how do we respond when others sin around us? Do we have a self-righteous response, or a Biblical response? As usual, Nader will give us several Bible verses so that we can examine ourselves to see if our response to sin is Christlike.
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The subject of sin for Christians and non-Christians is important because the difference is found in what side we take in the battle. Christians take God’s side against sin, whereas non-Christians take sin’s side against God. A Christian will sin but turn to God again and His word and say, “Help me fight my sin.” A non-Christian, even if he recognizes his sin, effectively responds, I want my sin more than God. As we read in 1 John:
“We know that no one who has been born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:18-20
As Christians we are not superior to unbelievers. Because today we see that many churches and Christians behave like the world and are no different from the world. And in these situations, they act like Jewish mullahs (religious leaders) in the time of Jesus and condemn the people. Instead of condemning sin, the church itself reconciles with sin, and looks down on and condemns human beings. This problem prevents people from coming to church and they run away from it. What would happen if Christians stopped judging the world? Isn’t that God’s job? For example, there are Christians and preachers condemning unchurched people for their sexual habits and preferences, lifestyle choices, and even political views. Is this what Jesus had in mind when He gave His life in love for the world? As Mahatma Gandhi famously said: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” What did Gandhi see in Christ that he did not see in Christians???
While Jesus did the opposite, He hated sin and no sin was found in Him, and instead of condemning people, He condemned their sins. Jesus accepted the people. And, Jesus went so much deeper than that. Jesus pursued friendships with people who were different than Him. Jesus was called a friend of sinners.
“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ And yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” Matthew 11:18-19
“If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” John 12:47
“And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, 'Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?' But when Jesus heard this, He said, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. Now go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners”. Matthew 9:11-13
“Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?” John 8:46
For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the Law, I became as one under the Law, though not being under the Law myself, so that I might gain those who are under the Law; to those who are without the Law, I became as one without the Law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might gain those who are without the Law. To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Therefore, in order to do that, Christians must have a healthy relationship with Jesus through discipline to be effective in the world around them. And to do that, we must not pretend that everything is great. Rather, we must constantly confess our sins, fears, anger, weaknesses, ugly habits, arrogances, selfishness, jealousy, and wrong judgment. And instead, be transparent, and not varnish ourselves, and not lie to those around us. We weren't created to constantly be on an emotional high. Sometimes we are sad and down. We are human, we are nothing. We should not pretend to be something or someone we’re not.
So, let’s inspect ourselves: I am not who I want to be yet. I am not who God wants me to be. But I’m different. I’m changing. And Christ is at work in me. Outside of Christ, I can do nothing.
Nader, your little brother in Christ
GOD BLESS YOU. AMEN
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